Good morning, Normal.

Books to Benefit will host its semi-annual book sale from June 12th to 14th at 360 Wylie Drive, Suite 700, Normal.

Cities 92.9 and Amish Choice Wood Furniture launched a contest to win $4800 in quality Amish furniture—giving locals a chance to update rooms in their home—by texting AMISH to 309-451-9299.

The Bloomington-Normal Black History Project and the City of Bloomington will bring back the annual Juneteenth celebration to Miller Park on Saturday, June 21.

At the May school board meeting, a Unit 5 School District committee recommended adding 'for educational purposes' to the cell phone policy—aiming to curb classroom distractions—and the board will vote on the change on June 18.

On Thursday, Heartland Community College held an open house for the Workforce Equity Initiative where prospective students learned about the admissions process and certificate programs—attendees heard first-hand testimonials from former students including a mom and a formerly incarcerated individual. Students eligible for the grant will receive funding for tuition, career navigation and success coaching.

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners program celebrated 50 years of giving local volunteers research-based gardening skills in McLean and nearby counties.

The program now uses a hybrid model—mixing self-paced lessons with a weekly three-hour session—to help more community members learn proper gardening techniques.

The Illinois State Police said troopers will patrol the roads during Memorial Day weekend and look for the 'Fatal Four' — drinking and driving, distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing seat belts — while urging motorists to plan ahead and drive safely.

Their efforts aim to prevent serious crashes as holiday travel picks up.

The Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 2194 to strengthen the state’s 211 helpline, which offers free help for food, shelter, mental health, job support and health care.

State Sen. Adriane Johnson said the law requires regular data reports and sets national standards—this will help the Department of Human Services better coordinate support statewide with $3 million budgeted this fiscal year and $1 million planned for the next.

Family Paint Party

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Cost of participation — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of creativity with guided painting and delicious food.

Paint Nite: Moonshine Mountains

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — $45 per person — Unleash your creativity while enjoying pizza and painting your masterpiece.

Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon and Duathlon

1-5 p.m. — 13001 Recreation Area Dr, Hudson, IL — Registration fees apply — Compete in the Bloomington-Normal area's premier sprint triathlon and duathlon on a flat and fast course through Comlara Park.

Tailgates N' Tallboys Country Music Festival

All Day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the joy of country music with live performances and a vibrant atmosphere.

Sign & Sing with Communication Junction

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Underwood Park — Free entry — Engage in stories, signs, and bubbles with Miss Meghan for kids ages birth to 5.

Open House at 306 N Blair Drive

10:00am - 11:00am — 306 N Blair Drive — $219,900 — Explore a beautifully updated home with ample outdoor space in Normal's Mission Hills Subdivision.

Family Paint Party

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a fun and guided painting experience for all ages.